Nuturing Literacy

Bly - top right

Bly Brown chose to join Skyline Literacy as a Family Literacy Program Tutor around seven years ago. Her decision was rooted in a lifelong belief that families who share books and embrace literacy together are not only more successful in their communities but also lead more fulfilling lives. She yearned to facilitate this belief and make it a reality for families in her community, and Skyline Literacy welcomed her with open arms.

As an educator throughout her professional life, Bly knew the power of learning within a family unit. She was inspired by the idea that when parents and children share literacy experiences at home, they create powerful learning environments that can shape the course of their lives.

Over the years, Bly had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of family literacy programs on the families she worked with. She and her dedicated partner, Dolores, embodied the notion that it's not just okay to read and have fun activities with children; it's crucial. Parents who once held reservations about engaging in literacy activities with their children gradually shed their inhibitions. They discovered the joy of playing with literacy, creating bonds with their children that were stronger than ever before. It was a win-win situation for both parents and their eager learners.

Bly and Dolores carefully selected picture books with themes they wanted to introduce to the families. These books were paired with hands-on creative activities, from drawing and making snacks to crafting friendship bracelets. Bly remembered fondly the time when she and Dolores ran a program for PBS called Ready To Learn, where the same principles of empowering parents as their children's first teachers were applied.

In the midst of the pandemic, technology became a bridge to continue their mission. Bly and Dolores utilized Zoom, allowing families to engage in sessions from the comfort of their homes. It was a platform that facilitated the practice of reading and activities, ensuring that families could replicate the techniques introduced during their sessions.

To Bly, success in the program looked like families valuing daily reading and incorporating language into their daily lives. It meant parents practicing English with simple books that became a part of their home libraries. Their progress and dedication were a testament to the vision of Skyline Literacy: to empower individuals and families through literacy.

With unwavering dedication, Bly contributed to Skyline Literacy's mission and vision by fostering a love for learning within families, nurturing the bonds between parents and children, and creating a brighter future for her community, one page at a time. Her story serves as an inspiration, illustrating the profound impact of family literacy programs and the difference one passionate educator can make in the lives of many.

A Journey of Empowerment: Asmarch

Asmarch Mengistu started with Skyline Literacy in May 2023 to take English and Digital Literacy classes. Originally from Ethiopia, Asmarch had been living in Harrisonburg for 11 years, dedicating her time to being a full-time mom to her family.

Asmarch first heard about Skyline Literacy through a friend, who shared glowing testimonials about the program's impact. Intrigued by the possibilities, Asmarch decided to join the classes. Her dedication and commitment to self-improvement were evident from the very beginning.

During her time at Skyline Literacy, Asmarch engaged in digital literacy and English classes. These courses not only expanded her horizons but also equipped her with essential skills for today's digital world.

For Asmarch, the motivation to learn English and study digital literacy is driven by a strong desire to support her children's education and growth. Through the English classes, she aims to communicate better with teachers, engage more effectively with services, and actively participate in her children's school journey in the coming years. The digital literacy classes, on the other hand, were instrumental in enhancing her computer skills. This newfound proficiency empowers her to assist her children with computer-related schoolwork and confidently navigate online platforms.

Among the aspects of her journey that brought her immense joy, Asmarch particularly enjoyed the computer classes. Jossi was not only knowledgeable but also kind and helpful, making the learning experience enjoyable. Skyline Literacy not only met but exceeded her expectations, providing a nurturing environment that encouraged her to thrive.

Asmarch's educational goals were clear when she first joined the program: she wanted to enhance her English skills and gain the digital literacy necessary to support her child's education. Skyline Literacy played a pivotal role in helping her fulfill these aspirations. The classes were tailored to her needs, ensuring that she gained the skills she sought while also offering a space for personal growth.

With her newfound skills and confidence, Asmarch looks forward to continuing her learning journey with Skyline Literacy. She is excited to enroll in more English classes, eager to further refine her language skills and continue her upward trajectory.

When asked if she would recommend Skyline Literacy's classes to friends or family, Asmarch's answer is a resounding yes. Her success story serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative impact of the program, demonstrating how dedication, support, and a commitment to growth can empower individuals to achieve their dreams.

Empowerment in the Digital Age: Staff Spotlight with Jossimar Diaz-Castro

“I’ve been drawn to literacy since I was a kid, honestly.”

That’s what Jossimar Diaz-Castro tells me when I ask why he decided to work for an organization like Skyline Literacy. Growing up as a student in the Mexico City public school system, Diaz-Castro developed a love for language arts, writing, and reading in his youth. It took him a while, though, to become formally confident about making literacy a career.

When he relocated to Harrisonburg just under two years ago, he was preparing to pursue formal education as a field of work. While making this dream happen, he researched places in the community he could use his skills, and Skyline made the top of his list.

“Skyline really serves as a reference point in town for inclusivity and opportunity” he explains “and because of that, I knew I wanted to be a part of what they were doing.”

His interest in Skyline soon turned into a full-fledged career for Diaz-Castro.

He soon took over one of Skyline’s newest initiatives, the Digital Literacy Program, as the lead instructor. The digital literacy program covers everything from computer basics such as hardware handling, to more complex lessons such as navigating the internet, email, file storage, organization, and handling of personal information online.

Diaz-Castro’s dedication and confidence in the importance of the subject matter is evident. Digital literacy, he says, is so much more than being able to operate a phone or a computer.

“Organizational skills are so important within the world of digital literacy… Clarity about these skills and the opportunities digital literacy can bring in our time leads to empowerment. It opens up career and growth opportunities, and it brings a sense of confidence and independence for students that is vital.”

He adds that even being someone who is already digitally literate, he has learned things from the modules and curriculum, and that he has been continually impressed by the commitment his students show in pursuing this education.

“Providing this experience of formal education for our students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job thus far” Diaz-Castro says, explaining that even the process of tracking progress and sticking to a syllabus is a crucial experience.

When asked what he wants others to know about digital literacy and Skyline as a whole, Diaz-Castro focuses on one of the key values of Skyline: empowerment.

“I want people to know that becoming a student of digital literacy can truly bring a sense of achievement. It is a crucial field in society today. But even more importantly, I think it brings a sense of dignity– knowing that there is a place for you in this digital world and that you are capable of gaining those skills.”

A Lifetime of Learning: Kishwar

Kishwar Rashid is a proud lifelong learner. In 1976, Kishwar’s son came to the U.S. to pursue higher education, and when he graduated and found a job in New York, she joined him in the states. After getting settled in New York, Kishwar began working towards becoming an American citizen. Though she was trying to prepare for the process on her own, Kishwar began seeking out additional ways to get ready for the citizenship test and interview process. It wasn’t long before someone introduced her to Skyline Literacy.

Though Kishwar lived in New York, she was still able to take advantage of Skyline’s resources through virtual options, which presented a whole new set of skills to learn. “When I first started, I didn’t know how to work zoom, or how to set up a zoom account. Without the help of Jyar Abdulla (Skyline’s program manager), I could not have been here today, talking about this program.”

In addition to helping her get set up with technology, Kishwar says that Skyline staff and teachers made the citizenship preparation courses themselves fun, welcoming, and educational.

“I felt really good during the first class. The teachers are helpful and supportive, and they explain things two or three times to help you understand. I knew that if I asked questions, they would respond, and if I needed something, they would help.”

Kishwar encourages those pursuing citizenship to look into Skyline as an option. And reminds them that if she, at the age of 74 years, could succeed and learn in these classes, that they can, too.

“I would definitely advise them to join Skyline Literacy classes because I benefited so much from them” she says, adding that the organized structure of the class has allowed her to learn a lot about the citizenship process and feel more prepared for her interview. When asked what excites her most about becoming a citizen, Kishwar says that she is ecstatic to be a part of the democratic system of America.

“I think this is a very democratic country with so many opportunities. There is so much freedom of speech, religion, press, you know… few countries can offer that. And I’m excited to be a part of this country as a citizen."

FY 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program

Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS)

Harrisonburg/Rockingham Community: 

Skyline Literacy, (SL) a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Citizenship and Integration Grant for $161,455 from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This grant period is October 1st, 2022 to September 30, 2024. 

Skyline will prepare local Lawful Permanent Residents to pass the U.S. citizenship test and interview in their journey to naturalization. Skyline’s grant partner, Church World Services of Harrisonburg, (CWS) will manage the application process. 

SL will provide citizenship classes for 60 LPRs in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County for each year of the two-year project. Instruction will include classes, review sessions, mock interviews and needs-based tutoring. CWS will provide naturalization application services through its DOJ-accredited staff to a minimum of 60 LPRs each year during the two-year grant project. These services will include naturalization consultation, eligibility screening, and N-400 and G-28 preparation and submission. Eligibility screening (120 screenings) and consultation will be provided at no cost to the LPR. Total funds allocated to each agency for the two-year period are as follows: SL for citizenship instruction $96,880 and CWS for naturalization application services $64,575; for a total of $161,455 for the two-year grant period. 

Skyline Literacy would also like to thank the community for its continuing support, as donors and volunteers, which has made it possible for Skyline Literacy to help over 150 residents of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County each year to learn to read, write and speak English, as well as to become U.S. citizens.  

Thanks to the community for supporting Skyline’s continuing efforts to fulfill its mission: “to provide instruction, based on need, in various literacies, for adults in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County using trained, qualified instructors and volunteers.” As a community-based literacy organization for 35 years, Skyline Literacy serves over 300 individuals annually.

A Legacy of Literacy: The Senger Family

Senger Roofing LLC is one of the many community businesses that has been sponsoring Skyline Literacy for years.

However, for father-son owners Harvey and Mark Senger, the choice to support Skyline is deeply personal.

Growing up, Harvey Senger and his sisters were very close in age. In order to keep the siblings from being in the same classes, Mr. Senger was passed along, from one grade to the next. Eventually, he graduated high school and enlisted in the Navy. Throughout the years of his schooling, however, something had slipped through the cracks: Mr. Senger had never learned to read.

According to ProPublica, stories like Mr. Senger’s are more common than one might think. One-fifth of American adults struggle to read, and with limited resources and programs in many states across the country, this “silent crisis” continues to impact lives throughout the nation.

“For a while, I was able to make do.” Mr. Senger recounts. “After I left the Navy, I started a job at another company. My boss would hand me paperwork and ask me what I thought of it. I’d ask him if I could look it over in my office, and then I’d go in and try to make sense of what was on the page. I could read word-by-word, and sound it out like one of those kids books… See. Jane. Run.”

Mr. Senger continued to achieve success, all while struggling with his inability to read. He went on to own at least two businesses, and continued to gain expertise in business and construction. However, when asked what prompted him to begin taking literacy courses as an adult, Mr. Senger does not cite his job or business endeavors. Rather, it was his son Mark, and their nightly bedtime stories, that sparked his determination.

“When Mark was a kid, we’d always lay in bed together at night and read his Bible Storybook. He’d read the page that was on his side, and I’d read the page that was on my side. By the time Mark was in third or fourth grade, I realized that he was reading better than I was.” Mr. Senger remembers. “Shortly after that, I saw an advertisement for a literacy class offered through JMU at Harrisonburg Baptist Church. I decided it was time for me to take the opportunity and learn how to read.”

And learn, he did. 

His teacher was Donna Alexandre Lawyer. Despite all the years, he still remembers her name, and her requirement that he “do his homework first” during the first hour of the class before moving onto reading the personal literature he’d brought to practice with. For Mr. Senger, his literature of choice was the Bible. 

“It was exciting for me to learn to read the Bible on my own, and to be able to read it for a little bit at the end of every class. Now, I get to read it every Sunday when I volunteer with Kingsway Prison Ministry… that’s really special.”

Now, years later, Harvey’s son Mark has made it a priority to invest in literacy in Harrisonburg through Senger Roofing’s support of Skyline Literacy. 

“I think it’s important to Mark, to support organizations like Skyline, because he saw what learning to read did for me.” Mr. Senger says, adding “It doesn't matter what you do in life, even if it’s math, you have to be able to read. Reading to me is involved in everything that you do. If you can learn to read, you can have a sense of self-sufficiency.”

When asked if he has any advice for adults who are embarking on the journey of literacy, Mr. Senger says: 

“The worst part, for me, of not knowing how to read was the shame of other folks finding out… but now, looking back, I know that they already knew. My boss, other people, they all knew. And I guess I want people to know that it is not embarrassing. And it does not mean you are stupid or unintelligent,” he continues, “Reading is a skill, just like anything else. It’s an important skill, but there’s no need to be ashamed. I encourage people to make the decision to learn, and don’t let fear keep you from doing it.” 

Student Story

Improving Computer Literacy Skills for New Job Opportunities

Charita Deaza was referred to Skyline Literacy through the Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a program to help unemployed individuals 55 and older find work. Nelly worked diligently to get her into a program called Computers: One Click at a Time. She completed the curriculum in about five weeks with an intern named Matt, who specialized in technology. She really like the one-on-one in-person tutoring that Skyline offered and was grateful for his patience and knowledge about computers.

            Charita shared, “I wanted to better myself with computer skills. I have been out of the workforce for a year, and I knew that I needed better computer skills for the job I applied for.” With this curriculum, she was able to learn basic and intermediate computer skills that would make her competitive in the workplace. She appreciated the material, as it carefully explained how to use the internet, email, and Microsoft office platforms, and she was grateful that she could keep the book for whenever she wanted to look back over the material. Skyline Literacy also provided her with a borrowed laptop, so that she could complete her studies and practice computer literacy skills.

            With her new computer skills, Charita not only has marketable skills for new job opportunities but can also help her grandchildren with their homework: “I am able to help him with the computer skills that I learned at Skyline.” She is excited to be able to connect with her grandchildren on a different level and help them when they need it. Charita highly recommends this computer literacy course to anyone who is looking to improve or refresh their computer skills. “Skyline Literacy went above and beyond in helping me with this computer course and I am so thankful,” Charita said.

Customizing Individual GED Tutoring

Mary Hama came to the U.S. from Kurdistan with her husband in 2009 and currently resides in Harrisonburg, VA. She heard about Skyline Literacy from her friend, Hozyar, who also utilized Skyline’s learning services. Mary was connected with a personalized tutor, Leah Tripp, to study for the English component of the GED test. She had previously taken GED classes at Massanutten Technical Center. This co-enrollment with Skyline Literacy and MTC  allowed her to pass the GED test.  Her goal is to go to Blueridge Community College for a bachelor’s degree.

The best aspect of Skyline Literacy for Mary was the personalization sessions with a one-on-one tutor: “It was very good because when you are at Skyline you can have a personal tutor. They just focus on you and not the class as a whole. English is difficult for me, and I had many questions in the reading and writing parts. The personalized time, even for one hour a week, is very helpful.” She was very grateful for the time and dedication of her tutor, Leah Tripp who was very friendly, and helpful with all her questions. With Leah’s help, Mary was able to raise her exam scores significantly.

Mary recommends Skyline for those who need a one-on-one tutor in any subject. The staff at Skyline is able to connect students with volunteer tutors and retired educators, who have dedicated their time and energy to the success of adult students in Harrisonburg, VA. She will use Skyline in the future if she has any tutoring needs during college.

Skyline Literacy has allowed Mary to further her educational goals in her life, which in turn has affected her family’s educational successes. “I have two kids and a husband who is self-employed. I am the one taking care of the children and they need me to help them with their homework. I can do this now after taking the GED courses with MTC and Skyline”, she shares. “I can also get a better job and further my education. I just want to say thank you to Skyline for your help.”

If you or someone you know is in need of one-on-one tutoring services on any subject, please contact Skyline at 540-433-0505 or email info@skylineliteracy.org.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Yousif Kori, citizenship student at Skyline Literacy

              Yousif Kori moved with his family to Harrisonburg from Sudan in 2016 and works at Smithland School as the head custodian. He began taking English classes at Massanutten Technical Center before coming to Skyline Literacy to take a citizenship preparation course. Yousif heard about Skyline from a relative who has lived in the area for a while, and he decided to obtain his U.S. citizenship so that he could travel back to Sudan and make other life processes easier in the U.S.

              Yousif appreciated the citizenship preparation class because the teachers would explain a lot of the concepts and words that he could not understand on his own or learning from YouTube. With the help of volunteer instructors, he was able to understand the national government as well as the specifics of the Virginian government and officials. “The material provided by Skyline gave me a good understanding of how the citizenship test would be”, he says. Yousif also appreciated the kindness and explanations that the volunteer instructors provided. He is now encouraging his wife to take the citizenship preparation with Skyline.

              While Yousif could not always make it to every class because of his work in the evening, he was grateful for the flexibility and online features that Skyline provided. He officially became a U.S. citizen on June 4th after taking the citizenship preparation class at Skyline, passing the citizenship test with USCIS, and taking the oath during the naturalization ceremony. “I believe that it is very important to become a U.S. citizen because I live here now”, he says; “I would just like to thank Skyline Literacy – I know a lot of people who cannot read nor understand the U.S. citizenship process, and Skyline helps you do that.” In the future, Yousif plans to continue taking high-level English classes at Massanutten Technical Center, an educational partner of Skyline Literacy.